FORTY UNDER FORTY
BRIAN ATHMER
President , Harris Boats
What was your first job ? My first job was as a pizza cook at a local restaurant . Not long after , I moved on to Home Depot . I take pride in saying that I am one of the few that has worked in every department in the store . Did you have any key mentors or influences in your career ? I am fortunate to have worked with a lot of incredible leaders throughout my career . Two of the key things they instilled in me are to be passionate about what you do and to never stop learning . As a young professional , what are the biggest challenges you ’ ve faced in the marine industry and how did you overcome them ? Most of my background has been in the automotive and defense industries so there was an initial learning curve when I joined the marine industry , but overall , I feel the transition has been quite smooth . The key has been in leveraging those prior experiences to accelerate the adoption of technologies , processes , and standards that can make our boats better . Building innovative , high-quality boats that provide the best possible experiences on the water for our customers is the consistent focus for myself and the team at Harris . Everyone uses their pontoon boats in very different ways , so the best part about my job is figuring out how to make great products for a wide variety of consumers , use-cases , and price points . Who was your hero as a child ? My parents . I was incredibly fortunate to be raised by hard working , fun loving , compassionate people . My mother would do anything for anyone , and I try to approach life in the same way . My father is driven , hard-working , and a great teacher . He also loves anything with an engine and that very much rubbed off on me . Why should young professionals choose a career in the marine industry ? I believe the opportunities for technology adoption and advancements in the marine industry are vast . Especially for engineers and product passionate people , the next decade is going to be exciting for everyone involved . I think it goes without saying how fun it is too !
JACK BECKER
Naval Architect & Partner , Boksa Marine Design
What first drew you to the marine industry ? When I was young , my family had a boat . Every summer , we would go boating on the Long Island Sound as long as the season permitted . It was always the highlight of summer , and it quickly became a large part of who I am . Possibly the best part of the boat , which I did not fully appreciate at the time , was my Dad ’ s rule of no electronics on the boat , hence the boat ’ s name Offline .
Did you have any key mentors or influences in your career ? There have been two people in my career who have been a big influence on me . To start , Professor Neil Gallagher at Webb Institute has been an inspiration . He expected a lot and cared about teaching us the proper way of doing things . His attention to detail and wide breadth of knowledge are something I would like to emulate throughout my career . I would also like to recognize Nick Boksa . He has provided me with incredible opportunities at a young age and has believed in me every step of the way . Nick ’ s trust in me has sparked my confidence and has allowed me to dream bigger through my career in life . How do you set goals for yourself and set yourself up for success ? Setting goals is important for manifesting where you want to be and allows you to create a path to get there . However , I have learned through Emmanuel Acho ’ s TED Talk that you do not need to set goals . Goals are focused on the end , but the journey is more important , and it is where you grow . My objective every day is to learn and grow as both a person and a Naval Architect , as this will set me up for success in both my personal and professional life . Who was your hero as a child ? My parents . They have provided me with unconditional love / support and have led by example throughout my life . They are both hard workers and want the best for everyone around them . My Dad being a volunteer firefighter of over 30 years has shown me how important it is to think about those around you , and it was inspirational to see his dedication to our community . Why should young professionals choose a career in the marine industry ? It is a small industry with a wide variety of options and opportunities . There is a growing need for more people in this industry and it provides complex design problems that make you think . It is also an industry of people who have mostly been around or grew up on the water , and everyone is working on sharing their passion with others .
MEGAN BENNETT
Project Management Office Department Manager , Yamaha Motor Corp ., U . S . A .
What first drew you to the marine industry ? My experience with the U . S . Coast Guard as a Search and Rescue Coordinator , aiding distressed boaters across Hawaii ' s eight main islands . Living in the islands nurtured my love for the ocean , and now , I ' m excited to impact the industry from a new perspective . Additionally , I cherish spending time on the lake with loved ones , further fueling my passion for all things marine . Did you have any key mentors or influences in your career ? Absolutely , my father stands out as my foremost mentor . His unwavering work ethic and emphasis on integrity have been guiding principles throughout my career . Kris Carroll , Grady-White Boats , has been a key mentor in my career . She taught me many invaluable lessons but one I ’ ll never forget is to count your blessings every day , no matter how small . A grateful heart has a grateful purpose .
In my current role , Andrea Tetto , the Division Manager of Business Planning & Product Development , has been instrumental in shaping my career . Her unparalleled passion and drive serve as constant inspiration . Having such a dedicated coach has truly made all the difference in my professional growth . Who was your hero as a child ? My grandfather was not only someone I ' ve always shared a special bond with but also deeply admired . Serving as a Captain in the Army Air Corps during WWII , he then pursued higher education at the University of Michigan upon returning home . He embodied the qualities of a true gentleman and philanthropist , leaving a lasting impression on all who knew him . His enduring love story with my grandmother , his high school sweetheart , lasted an incredible 69 years until his passing . To honor his legacy , I proudly display his flag , and his memory lives on through our son , who we named after him . Why should young professionals choose a career in the marine industry ? The marine industry is a great place for young professionals because it has so much to offer such as an incredible community , and the culture is undeniable . At its core , we sell experiences that generate lasting memories for our customers . With iconic brands that have stood the test of time and continuous waves of innovation , the industry is on the cusp of transformative change . The evolution of outboard motors is just one example , signaling a revolution that promises to shape the next few decades . Who wouldn ’ t want to be a part of that ?
14 march 2024 www . boatingindustry . com